Election cash for cricket club, shopping centre

SOUTH Barwon Cricket Club and Highton Village would each receive funding boosts under a Liberal state government, South Barwon candidate Andrew Katos says.

The Belmont-based club would get $400,000 to build an upgraded pavilion with gender-neutral change rooms, a new upstairs function area with kitchen, bar and lift, as proposed in its masterplan

SBCC has over 300 active members across seven senior men’s, two senior women’s and seven junior teams, with current facilities not suitable for women’s cricket.

“It is so important to invest in our sporting facilities to ensure local sporting clubs can thrive well into the future,” Mr Katos said.

Liberal Geelong candidate James Bennett-Hullin also backed the funding: “Local sporting clubs are a vital part of the Geelong community, and the Liberals and Nationals are proud to support grassroots sport with this commitment for South Barwon Cricket Club.”

The party would also provide $200,000 to the City of Greater Geelong for small-scale upgrades to Highton Village.

Mr Katos said the funding would improve footpaths, street furniture, lighting and an upgrade to Bellevue Arcade.

“This much-needed support will see dangerous footpaths repaired, along with long overdue works to improve the amenity of the Village,” he said.